Phils blank Yanks' split squad

TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees are hoping Brennan Boesch makes the most of a big opportunity.

Boesch made his Yankees' debut, starting in right field and going 0 for 3 Saturday as a New York split squad lost 7-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies.

New York agreed to a one-year contract with Boesch on Friday.

"Unique circumstance where we can get a player who's played in the big leagues the last number of years," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "Comes in here and gets a chance to compete."

The Yankees will be without outfielder Curtis Granderson until at least May due to a broken right forearm.

The 27-year old Boesch hit .240 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 132 games with Detroit last season. Boesch, who hit a pair of grounders and struck out Saturday, was released by the Tigers on Wednesday,

"They did me a favor, and it goes without saying that I'm thankful for them to have done that," Boesch said of the Tigers. "I've been in Detroit since 2006, and it's all I know. But sometimes it comes to an end. I just couldn't be more excited. What a great organization to be in your second go around."

He receives $377,049 from the Tigers in termination pay rather than his $2.3 million salary and got a $1.5 million, one-year deal from the Yankees, of which $500,000 is guaranteed. Boesch can earn an additional $600,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 100 and 150 plate appearances, $100,000 apiece for 200 and 250, and $150,000 each for 300 and 350.

Domonic Brown hit his fourth spring training homer, a three-drive in a four-run fourth against Hiroki Kuroda, who allowed four runs — two earned — and six hits in six innings.

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter played in the field on consecutive days for the first time since ankle surgery last year. He doubled in two at-bats.

"I think I'm going to be concerned for a while just because of what he went through," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

New York closer Mariano Rivera, coming back after knee surgery last year, struggled with his control during his third appearance, throwing 8 of 17 pitches for strikes. He walked Steven Lerud, induced a double-play grounder from Ben Revere and struck out Michael Young looking on 3-2 pitch during a scoreless seventh.